And Twins make 5! - Chicago Area Mommy Blogger

Play Food by Learning Resources (Giveaway)

2012-01-26T15:06:00.000-06:00

I've in all odds mentioned numerous times how much my twin boys adore roleplaying games. They spend hours together playing "house, restaurant, kitchen, vacation, and jobs". Some of their very favorite toys are items that enhance their roleplaying fun. Learning Resources has proven to offer a huge selection of just such items.

One of our latest favorites is a new set of play food known as the New Sprouts™ Munch It! My very own play food set. The Much It! set includes: 2 Slices of Bread, 3-piece Blueberry Muffin, Glass of Milk, 2 Slices of Cheese, Carrot, Juice Box, Mini Bagel, Bowl of Cereal, Bowl of Mac & Cheese, Yogurt Cup, Hot Dog in Bun, Banana, Cookie, Clementine Orange, Apple, and a couple spoons.

All the items are quite realistic appearing, well made, and perfectly sized for their little hands. The boys have really enjoyed using them all in their new playhouse Santa brought this past holiday. My favorite? The bowl of mac and cheese that can't be spilled.

Giveaway: We are giving away a Learning Resources Munch It! Play Food set to one reader.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: The above mentioned review and giveaway toy sets have been provided by Learning Resources.

Ocean Spray Fruit Snacks (Giveaway)

2012-01-24T10:11:00.000-06:00

We have a lot of fruit snack fans in our home. Most people would likely assume it's the twin 3 year olds that consume the most followed in order by the 10 year old and 13 year old, but they would be wrong. While all 4 of the youngest love fruit snacks, it's pur 17 year old that is considered the household aficionado of fruit snacks. In fact, his girlfriends family even tested his vast knowledge of the different brands and their flavors by blindfolding him and feeding him various brands. Let's just say, the kids knows his fruit snacks.
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One-Track Minds (Who won't my kids keep their rooms clean?)

2012-01-20T10:08:00.001-06:00

If my 3 oldest kids formed a band it would be called "one-track minds" or something to that effect. They will spend countless hours of their lives working themselves beyond the point of total exhaustion for their sport. If anything, I find myself having to beg them to layoff a bit. In fact, they'd eat and drink almost anything I told would make them faster, stronger, better. They give up attending parties and gatherings with zero complaints to be well rested for their events. However, 5 minutes spent picking up their rooms is an IMPOSSIBLE feat.

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Kids cutting their own hair and others (The Gray Area)

2012-01-13T10:40:00.000-06:00

I've heard the stories of kids getting a hold of the scissors and cutting their own hair. My girlfriends have posted these nightmare tales as their facebook statuses. Worse yet, I've heard the stories about kids getting hold of the scissors and cutting another child's hair. It's a terrible parenting moment either way. They did something you've in all odds told them specifically NOT do. They've knowingly disobeyed you and your left wondering why?

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Back to Normal?

2012-01-13T09:26:00.002-06:00

We survived the car ride back home to Illinois from Colorado. A huge shout out to in the car DVD players, crayons, coloring books, and electronic devices like the iPad and Kindle Fire for making it fairly painless for everyone. Fruit snacks and cheddar crackers should also get an honorable mention.

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Wrapping up our winter holiday

2012-01-04T07:34:00.001-06:00

The twins had a blast on the tail end of our vacation here in Colorado. They loved going up the mountain in the snowcat along with big sister, hubby, and I. I think the exact quote was "that was so cool, we have to do that again."

We met the rest of our group at a mountain cabin for delicious lunch. They even got a taste of what skiing and boarding is really like from big brothers and their uncle. The ride back down was fun as well. They can hardly wait until next year when they are old enough to try skiing themselves.

Today will bring pizza with friends also staying in the area and packing for home. Back to the realities of home, school, weekly activities, and work.

How 2012 began

2012-01-02T10:45:00.001-06:00

The little boys began 2012 peacefully tucked inside our vacation destination while the bigger boys including hubby plowed right into 2012 as they headed off to ski.

The twins and I spent much needed quiet time playing games, reading, and trying our hand at watercolors. A long nap was nestled in there some where as well.

Big sister, Cordelia, was home with us. She's out of her hard cast but still in a soft cast for several weeks. She's not giving up on making the most of It though.

Here's hoping you started your year off on the right foot!

Goodbye to 2011 & Hello to 2012

2012-01-01T16:28:00.001-06:00

2011 was a fabulous year for my crew filled with much fun and many accomplishments. A few bumps in the road here or there, but all in all it shall be missed. Onward we head into 2012 ... Happy New Year!

Christmas Vacation

2011-12-29T18:32:00.001-06:00

Chicago may not have yielded a white Christmas, but it's certain to be a snowy white New Year now that we have arrived in Colorado.

2011 "Year in Review" AndTwinsMake5's List of Top Kids & Mom Apps

2011-12-27T00:00:00.000-06:00

In 2011, we head the pleasure of sharing 13 different app round-up posts with our readers. We hope to bring even more to everyone in 2012! Watch for monthly and themed app round-ups including not only apps for the Apple iPhone, iTouch, and iPads but for the Kindle Fire as well.

Here's all the 2011 round-ups:

The Betty 10: #10 {Chocolate Coal Lumps}

2011-12-23T07:29:00.000-06:00

Betty Crocker through MyBlogSpark is sharing their Ten Red Hot Holiday Trends again with us this year. Trend #10 is Food Craft.

The kitchen is the new craft room. With food as their medium, clever cooks are making amazing edible food crafts that are as good to look at as they are to eat.

With this trend in mind, click over to Betty Crocker's site for a Chocolate Coal Lumps recipe.

The Betty 10: #9 {Dog Bark}

2011-12-22T07:28:00.000-06:00

Betty Crocker through MyBlogSpark is sharing their Ten Red Hot Holiday Trends again with us this year. Trend #9 is D-I-Y for D-O-G.

Man’s best friend deserves man’s best effort. That’s why making your own dog food is one of the latest canine crazes. This year, homemade dog treats are at the top of fido’s list.

With this trend in mind, click over to Betty Crocker's site for a Dog Bark recipe.

That Sneaky Elf Magic Elf!

2011-12-21T08:30:00.000-06:00

Jynx, our visiting elf, snuck into the preschool "sharing bag" home with one of our twins the other day and made a surprise appearance at school. Oh that crazy elf has been up to all sort of antics including getting himself trapped in our candy cane jar and playing video games once everyone goes to sleep.

You can learn more about Elf Magic on Facebook and Twitter.

Disclosure:
Please note that the travel ticket and sleigh costs for Jynx were provided.

The Betty 10: #8 {Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bread}

2011-12-21T07:27:00.000-06:00

Betty Crocker through MyBlogSpark is sharing their Ten Red Hot Holiday Trends again with us this year. Trend #8 is Shareworthy & Allergen-Friendly.

Allergen-friendly foods may be free from things like nuts, dairy and eggs, but shouldn’t be free from flavor. Thankfully, we’re seeing new foods and recipes that can be enjoyed by everyone – whether you’re allergy-sensitive or not.

With this trend in mind, click over to Betty Crocker's site for a Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bread recipe.

Just Dance 3 for Wii

2011-12-20T10:58:00.000-06:00

Just Dance 3 was near the top of my 10 year old daughter's Christmas list before Ubisoft beat Santa to the punch, delivering this one to our house in time for a holiday review. If you haven't tried this Just Dance title, you must! It's gobs of fun, especially when you get friends and family involved. I mean, what's funnier than watching grandpa dance to Party Rock Anthem with the kids?

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Julep Maven Nail Polish & Products (Giveaway)

2011-12-20T10:29:00.000-06:00

Whether you are looking for a girly last minute gift idea or just a way to spoil yourself a little bit in 2012, I'd suggest you check out Julep.

Julep is an eco chic Nail Parlor with four locations in the Seattle area. I've never been there myself, but their exclusive Julep products are now available to bring Julep experience to your home.
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The Betty 10: #7 {Sweet Potato Hummus}

2011-12-20T07:25:00.000-06:00

Betty Crocker through MyBlogSpark is sharing their Ten Red Hot Holiday Trends again with us this year. Trend #7 is Veggie Love.

Once just tolerated, vegetables are now celebrated. Omnivores and herbivores alike have discovered that veggies offer variety and great taste, and are feeling the love.

With this trend in mind, click over to Betty Crocker's site for a Sweet Potato Hummus recipe.

Marie Callender’s Pot Pies

2011-12-19T08:48:00.000-06:00

I'm never cooking again! Ok, so I'm being a little over dramatic ... After a huge weekend of baking and cooking in preparation for my husband's office party and the upcoming Christmas holidays, I am feeling in need of a day or two off.

The timing is perfect, since Marie Callender via TheMotherhood recently invited me to try their Pot Pies. Comfort food I don't have to make myself was exactly what I needed, and better still they have no preservatives.
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The Betty 10: #6 {Cajeta Caramel Fudge}

2011-12-19T07:24:00.000-06:00

Betty Crocker through MyBlogSpark is sharing their Ten Red Hot Holiday Trends again with us this year. Trend #6 is Better than Bought.

From canning to candy making, there’s a renewed interest in handcrafted foods. This season, homemade food gifts are just the right thing to show your care and creativity.

With this trend in mind, click over to Betty Crocker's site for a Cajeta Caramel Fudge recipe.

The Betty 10: #5 {Skinny Clementine Martini}

2011-12-17T07:23:00.000-06:00

Betty Crocker through MyBlogSpark is sharing their Ten Red Hot Holiday Trends again with us this year. Trend #5 is Skinny Cocktails.

Here’s the skinny! Drinking high-calorie cocktails is so last year. The modern mixologist is shaking things up with light and flavorful cocktails.

With this trend in mind, click over to Betty Crocker's site for a Skinny Clementine Martini recipe.

The Betty 10: #4 {Mantastic Fried Chicken ‘n’ Waffle Sandwich}

2011-12-16T07:19:00.000-06:00

Betty Crocker through MyBlogSpark is sharing their Ten Red Hot Holiday Trends again with us this year. Trend #4 is From Cave to Kitchen.

Forget the man cave. Today guys are in the kitchen making (or at least appreciating) really good food. Big food. Really good, big food that’s stacked and stuffed with the flavors they can’t resist.

With this trend in mind, click over to Betty Crocker's site for a Mantastic Fried Chicken ‘n’ Waffle Sandwich recipe.

And the winners are ...

2011-12-15T17:19:00.004-06:00

The winner of the Pro Chef Roleplay Toy is #18, D SCHMIDT .
The winner of the Educational Insights Bean Bag Toy is #1, Shannon.

And, the winner of the Educational Insights Toy PowerTool Workshop is #98, Gina L.

Free Downloadable Holiday Cards from Company Kids

2011-12-15T16:23:00.001-06:00

The holidays are here and Company Kids is getting in the spirit again with their free, Downloadable Holiday Cards.

All you have to do is download, print and let your kids color in these festive designs. Once they’re done decorating, kids can add a fun message for their friends or teacher.

Hershey’s Cookie Headquarters (Kisses Giveaway)

2011-12-15T11:29:00.000-06:00

10 days until Christmas? I can hardly believe the holidays are almost here! I haven't even finished my Christmas shopping, let alone started on all the wrapping and baking I have planned. We need lots of Christmas cookies as we will be entertaining multiple times next week. The good news is I have Hershey's to turn to if I end up in need of additional advice.

I say additional advice because I already had the chance to ask Linda Stahl from Hershey's Kitchens and Kristen Olson from Betty Crocker some of my questions. Watch the video included below to see what I asked and hear all the great advice they gave me:

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The Betty 10: #3 {Cake Batter Cookie Stackers}

2011-12-15T07:10:00.000-06:00

Betty Crocker through MyBlogSpark is sharing their Ten Red Hot Holiday Trends again with us this year. Trend #3 is Color. Flavor. Fun.

Traditional baked goods are being transformed with bright colors and playful flavors. With a little creativity and imagination, no one can resist this happy, fun food!

With this trend in mind, click over to Betty Crocker's site for a Cake Batter Cookie Stackers recipe.